Grand National 2012: Aintree staying one jump ahead of the flak

Never has there been more intense focus on the John Smith’s Grand National,
with the image and reputation of British racing in the 21st century at stake
when 40 horses and riders compete in Saturday's big race.

Fences modified: Ballabriggs on his way to winning last year's racePhoto: PA

By Hotspur (J A McGrath)

11:00PM BST 13 Apr 2012

After last year’s adverse publicity, following the death of two horses, and efforts to ease the discomfort of finishers was even misinterpreted in racing circles, Aintree have made strenuous efforts since to address every question thrown at them.

So much so that modifications have been made to the iconic Becher’s Brook, with the drop on the landing side of the fence being reduced. A similar adjustment has been made to the first fence, while two inches have been shaved off the spruce at the top of the fourth jump.

While the purists have argued that the changes have destroyed the course’s character, the realists have accepted that alterations were necessary. A cooling area where runners can be hosed down after crossing the line as well as huge electric fans that can be switched on should conditions become uncomfortably hot, have been set up. Nothing has been left to chance.

Other important changes will ensure that the calibre of runner is high enough to cope with the challenge. Despite the changes, a walk around the course and an inspection of the jumps dispels the notion that the race has become soft. In essence, it is a fairer test, though, with no hidden traps or hazards.

As ever, racing will hold its breath, hoping there are no casualties. Still, this remains a dangerous sport, and no end of modification will eliminate all risk - and nor should it. This year, Tony McCoy’s mount Synchronised bids to become the first since the great Golden Miller, in 1934, to win the Grand National in the same year as the Gold Cup.

A huge gamble is unfolding on Synchronised, owned by JP McManus, the Irish billionaire, who won the race for the first time two years ago with Don’t Push It, ridden by 16-times champion McCoy. The horse’s price has shortened significantly, with 7-1 now the best on offer.

This will be probably be the last Grand National televised by the BBC, which lost out when Channel 4 outbid it for the four-year contract to cover British racing exclusively on terrestrial television. Viewing figures of around eight million are anticipated, while the global audience is measured in hundreds of millions.

For many of those, the storyline of the two sisters-in-law, Nina Carberry and Katie Walsh, on Organisedconfusion and Seabass, respectively, fighting out the finish, will prove irresistible. Both are fearless and talented riders, who have the chance to provide the National Velvet element to the race.

Donald McCain attempts to emulate his father, the Aintree icon Ginger McCain, by saddling the same horse, Ballabriggs, to win back-to-back Nationals. This feat has not been achieved since Ginger sent out Red Rum in 1973-74, the first two of the great horse’s three victories.

As much as I respect Ballabriggs, I believe the winner will come from Northern Ireland. Killyglen, who fell four out when travelling strongly 12 months ago, has been aimed at the race, and a recent victory at Down Royal confirmed his wellbeing.

Trainer Stuart Crawford said Killyglen had finished off strongly in his only race following a recent breathing operation, and there are hopes that the drying ground will be in his favour. West End Rocker, who needs it soft underfoot, has excellent credentials but it does not look like he will get his preferred conditions.

Others worth consideration are Cappa Bleu and the lightly-weighted Sunnyhillboy, an impressive winner at last month’s Cheltenham Festival. The latter is 10lb ‘well in’ on official BHA ratings and will be ridden by the capable Richie McLernon.